10 best long-distance moving companies in Edwardsville, IL

There are several importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Edwardsville.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in many ways. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Edwardsville movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Edwardsville

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Edwardsville.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Edwardsville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several options to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other customers think about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

Lastly, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Illinois Office of the Secretary of State U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration